Anybody running 17" Cobra Bullit rims on a Duster
SST,
Those are the '05 and newer wheels, aren't they? Those have more backspace than the 94-04 wheels. I'm not sure if the paint matches between those two models, but you MIGHT be able to swap the front wheels out for the earlier models with less BS and get away from the spacers like that. I've got the earlier wheels on my Valiant (same fenders & brakes as you) with no fitment issues, running 245/45's.
Just another data point...
Clair